Founders Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Swartland Winery

Tasting Note

A delicate but complex nose with a bouquet of tropical fruit, a hint of green pepper and ripe figs. A refreshingly crisp palate with upfront fruity flavours of gooseberries, melon and more juicy tropical fruits on the lingering finish.

Producer Note

Big open skies, arid deserts, the vast flowing landscape, with its unforgiving climate and rugged bush vines, this is wild country, this is Swartland. The contrast with manicured Constantia and oh-so-cool Stellenbosch couldn't be greater. But right now, Swartland is the most exciting wine region in South Africa. A new wave of winemakers are making ground-breaking wines from Rhône varietals and it is part of a revolution that has got everybody talking. The Swartland Winery is producing iconic and award winning wines in this fashionable and dynamic region, so we have joined forces with them to create a unique, distinctive and expressive wine range that has been masterfully blended for the UK palate. We think something this good, is definitely worth talking about!

Vineyard

The Swartland name originates from a description of the indigenous "renosterbos" or rhino bush, which appears to turn black, ("Swart" in Afrikaans), during the summer months. This hot, dry climate has an average temperature range of 25°C to 35°C and an annual rainfall of 450mm and 600mm, but the altitude of these vineyards creates a cool oasis in this arid landscape. Minimal intervention and environmentally friendly farming practices are paramount. Sowing cover crops between the vines provides protection from the winter rains and also maintains the valuable mineral content, nutrients and moisture during the hot summers. 80% of the vineyards are small bush vines with very low average yields; the quality of fruit is exceptional. The soil types vary, but Malmesbury Shale dominates, with small patches of granite and Table Mountain sandstone. The gravel sub-structure of the soil promotes good moisture retention, essential in this hot, dry climate.

Winemaking

The grapes were harvested when they had reached their optimal phenolic ripeness. The skins, pips and stems were removed and the juice was fermented at controlled temperatures of between 13°C to 14°C with aromatic yeast strains. After the fermentation, the wine was stabilised, filtered and bottled to preserve the freshness and the varietal aromatics.

Serving Suggestion

Ideal with fresh tasting dishes, a green salad, fresh oysters or grilled fish with lemon butter. Or simply enjoy this accessible, summery wine on its own.